Maxi skirts are kind of a hit around here. I mean, it’s a win-win situation – a pretty-looking outfit that feels as comfortable as pajamas. When it comes to maxi skirts, I’m about as likely wear them as I am jeans or shorts.

This one is probably my favorite. James’s mom (who has excellent taste) sent it to me. The teal color is fun, it has a cute diagonal bias cut, and my favorite part is the tribal print. If Ariel the mermaid were around and trying out her legs, I’m pretty sure she’d go with this skirt.

Worn here with my favorite summer sandals, and a simple silver necklace. There’s something about maxi skirts and tribal prints that just makes it a perfect combo for summer.

Here’s some options, if you’re looking to add either maxi skirts or tribal print to your wardrobe (hint: a lot of them are on sale! Stock up for next summer.) (Includes affiliate links)

You may have heard about some sale or something going on at Nordstrom.

No really, if you haven’t, you should probably know. There are three days left to shop this pretty awesome sale – new fall clothes, shoes, and accessories at big discounts. A little birdie told me I’d be getting this coat for my birthday this year. (Thanks, Mom!)

While I’d love to take a shopping trip, it’s not in the budget right now. But even if you’re not exactly all flushed with cash right now, it’s nice to dream about what you’d get if you could treat yo’ self. So here is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: my picks (includes affiliate links).

It’s fortunate that I have a fantastic stylist (and friend) who has given me a great cut, that’s now a little longer than shoulder-length. But it’s thin, lacks volume, can be frizzy, and some days it just wants to hold wave in all the wrong places. And nobody likes a bad hair day, amiright?

I do, however, have a few easy hairstyles for medium length hair up my sleeve, for when I don’t know what else to do.

Pinned Back Sides Style

Simply pull back the bangs closest to your face, and pin back with bobby pins. Fluff pulled back hair to give it a little volume.

Half Up Style

Pull bangs from the very front of your hair. Hold the hair above your head and tease by brushing downward toward the crown of the head. Smooth and pin the top part of your hair on the crown, crossing your bobby pins for a strong hold.

Faux Milkmaid Braid

Part hair from the front to the back (can be off-center on top, but should be centered in the back). Starting on one side, twist two sections of hair up over each other, adding bits of hair as you go, until you get all the way to the end. Repeat on the other side. Wrap the ends into a bun, and secure with bobby pins.

Speaking of bad hair days, Aflac has a new “Duck Salon” commercial with everyone’s favorite duck trying his hand – I mean, wing – at hairstyling. As you might imagine…it doesn’t work out.

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It’s not for major medical insurance, but rather takes care of everyday necessities – think groceries, child care, parking at the hospital, etc! Many companies talk about saving money on premiums, but Aflac is committed to paying attention to your claim, and taking care of their policyholders when they need it most.

If you want to be with an insurance company that cares for you as an individual, go with the USA’s leading provider of voluntary insurance at the workplace – Aflac! Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more info.

I used to think the pencil skirt was only for secretaries from the Mad Men era. It was hard to envision them outside the office.

Who knew? I am now the proud owner of five of them – yep, I’m obsessed. But it’s because pencil skirts are surprisingly versatile, and can be fancy or casual as needed. This is my favorite way to wear them – with a simple tee and statement necklace – but you can dress it up with a nicer top, or down with a simple necklace and sandals. It’s a great day-to-night outfit.

Everything I know about these skirts, I learned from Merrick at Merrick’s Art. She has such cute, functional looks, and I loved her concept of a pencil skirt, that can be dressed up, or can be casual enough for every day. (Some of her posts are here, here, and here.)

Here are some cute pencil skirt options, if you’re looking for one (includes affiliate links)!